Bristol Pegasus Motor Club Magazine December Auto Solo / Autotest at Aust Services by Andy Moss January 2016
Contents Chairman's Chat Editorial Warm Welcome To New Members 2016 Event Summary Club Night Venue Wiltshire Air Ambulance Visit 2015 Special Awards Chairman s Review of the Year 2015 December Auto Solo / Autotest Aust Services It s an uphill struggle. Pegasus Club Merchandise Remember When Backfire 2016 Events Calendar 40th Anniversary Navigation Exercise
Chairman's Chat By Andy Moss As always part of the Chairman's job at the AGM is to review the club activities, and I was pleased that I could report on a very full and rewarding years events. Let s hope that 2016 brings as much success and enjoyment for all club members. Among the many trophies awarded on the AGM night were a couple of special awards. The Kieron Winter Trophy this year was awarded to Tim Murray and the Committee Rosebowl went to Phil Jones. Our final 2015 event was certainly a great way to end the year. Whilst a post Christmas social gathering has become something of a tradition at this time of year, for 2015 we decided to run a competitive event. Planning started earlier in the year when Bob Bull succeeded gaining us access to part of the Aust Service area which is now an office complex for Brightside Insurance. Bob had put much effort into this, having started discussing it with a contact at the company some time ago. Having secured the venue we then looked for a date in an already busy motorsport calendar, and having struggled to find a summer date the idea of a post Christmas event was proposed. Come the day of the event we were very pleased to have received 25 entries the maximum we felt we could comfortably run. Despite some rather damp weather in the morning the event went very smoothly I am sure there will be a full report later in Backfire, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves Well done to all involved in running the event. Looking forward to next year, the first draft calendar of events for 2016 is included on the back cover of this month s Backfire. Our Castle Combe dates are now confirmed as the 20th of August for the Track Day and the 22nd of October for the 25th Anniversary Pegasus Sprint. We will return to Llandow on the 7th of May and Hullavington on the 3rd of July. As always we will have a full calendar of Social events and the usual mix of low cost club events to add to the fun. Finally, a reminder that if your membership is due for renewal, it is time to send your form to Bob Bull or to renew online. Membership fees remain just 10 if you receive your magazine by electronic download, or if you prefer a printed copy that option is available at small additional fee to cover the costs involved. We believe our membership fee is still one of the lowest for any car club, and we hope you find it good value don t forget membership for your partner is also free, so why not take the opportunity to request a free membership card for them as well? With a wide range of social events planned for next year as well as the competitive events, I am sure there will be something of interest to all.
Editorial On the way back from the Classic Motor Show in November someone in the car mentioned it was only six weeks to Christmas, I m not sure my feet have touched the ground since because suddenly I find myself saying Happy New Year, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, past tense! Taking a deep breath a lot seems to have gone on since the December Issue of Backfire went to Press including the presentation of a cheque to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Service and our annual general nosh. (meeting) up. Which reminds me that I collected a couple of bits of glassware for Danny Castleton my co driver on last year s Navigation Exercise, since my new job takes me out your way Danny I hope to deliver them in the not too distant future. Speaking about Navigation Exercises our resident historian Pete Stowe informs me that this year marks the 40th Anniversary of the current series of Navigation Exercises and this year s event, organised by Dick Craddy, will be taking place on Friday February the 19th; if there is anybody who would like to read the maps for me please do not hesitate to get in touch, novices especially welcome. After the AGM I visited Aust Services on the evening Le Jog passed through and watched all manner of oldies including a German registered Ford Escort Mk 1 Estate take part in an Auto Test. A couple of days after the season s festivities I returned to the same venue to help out with the timing of our own Auto Solo / Auto Test organised by Bob Bull, pics and results can be found in this issue. The New Year is only 5 days old and I have already managed to squeeze in a visit to Standlake Arena near Witney for a spot of Sunday Banger racing and I am looking forward to a quick visit to Autosport International in just over a week s time. Pete Stowe also reminded me that this year will mark the 25th Anniversary of Pegasus Sprint, if anyone has any treasured images of either Navigation Exercises or Pegasus Sprints gone by please do not hesitate to send scans in for Backfire s Remember When feature. The club will also be celebrating club Chairman Andy Moss s 25th year on the committee and I hope it will be as memorable as the 3 short years I have been living in Backfire Towers. Finally thanks to the 2015 Committee Rosebowl winner Phil Jones for making friends with his keyboard and sending me the first of his anticipated regular It s an uphill struggle. columns which I hope you will agree is an entertaining read. Don t forget the next Club meeting will be at BAWA Monday 8th of Feb 7:30pm. Wishing you all a safe year s motoring. Ralph Colmar
Warm Welcome To New Members Sam Pavey, Terry Salmon, Paul Smith and Adrian Welsh 2016 Events Navigation Exercise Friday 19th February 2016 Members are invited to enter the 40th Anniversary Navigation Exercise that will be held on Friday 19th February when we will, once again, return to the river Wye area. It will be held over a challenging 28 mile route. The signing on location will be at the car park behind Tintern Abbey located at map reference 162/534 001 on the A466. The required map will be OS 1:50,000 numbers 162 and 171. It is advised that you come prepared with a new map 171 if possible. Route cards will be handed out at 7.25pm prior to the start time of 7.30pm. Beginners, Novice and Expert route cards will be available. Bridge tolls will be reimbursed for those who use the Severn Crossing. A receipt is requested. Dick Craddy, the organiser, will be pleased to help should you require further assistance. Dick can be contacted on 01454 414842, 07776 202 663 or craddy@old down.freeserve.co.uk Thursday 10th March Morgan factory Visit 10am Make your own way to Malvern, nice drive back via Wales. Please contact Pete Goodman Pete Goodman pete.1goodman@talktalk.net or call 0117 9605367 to book a place, there will be 15 to pay per person on the day.
Saturday 7th May Llandow Sprint Sunday 3rd July Hullavington Wessex Sprint Saturday 20th August Castle Combe Track Day Saturday 22nd October Castle Combe Pegasus Sprint
Club Night Venue Our regular venue is BAWA Leisure Centre 589 Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7RG As many members will know we recently returned to BAWA which was our regular club meeting venue for many years. There are no issues for non BAWA members coming to our evening. We normally meet in Room 7 or Room 4. Most meetings start at 8.00pm, check Backfire for details each month. There is a public bar so members arriving early may enjoy a drink and a chat before the formal club night proceedings start, we recommend arriving at 7:30pm for 8pm starts. Note : Next BPMC meeting at BAWA is on Monday 8th of February 7:30 for an 8pm prompt start in Room 7.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance Visit Andy Moss, Tim Murray and myself visited the Wiltshire Air Ambulance operations centre to present them with a cheque for 1500 (approx half a flight!). We had a tour of the ops room and a run through of the helicopter. All very impressive, they can reach anywhere in Wiltshire in 15 mins delivering life saving medical support. Wiltshire's New Air Ambulance Registration number: G WLTS Call sign: Helimed22 The Bell 429, which is the first of its type to operate as an air ambulance in the UK. It is one of the most advanced light twin helicopters ever developed, offering exceptional flight performance, low operating cost and proven reliability. It has a top speed of 156 knots (180mph) and a cruising speed of 150 knots (173mph). The cabin can accommodate a pilot, two paramedics, one patient, and a passenger where appropriate (for example a parent accompanying an injured child). The aircraft is fitted with an Aerolite medical interior with all the kit you would find on a land ambulance, with specialist equipment to enable our crew to provide the best medical care possible, effectively bringing a mobile A&E to the people of Wiltshire. The extras we carry include the Zoll X defibrillator, Capno True C02 Indicator, Buddy Lite Fluid Warmer and Lucas CPR Device all paid for by donations. The air ambulance will fly up to 19 hours a day. Initially it will operate in the daytime, with night flying commencing by the end of the year. This is to allow the pilots to accumulate experience with the aircraft and operating area while at the same time training for night flying. Helimed22 is fitted with a Trakka Beam moveable searchlight, and our pilots will use the Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS), including the use of Night Vision Goggles, which will enable the pilots to see in the dark as if it were daylight. The average cost of a mission is approx 2,500.
2015 Special Awards The 2015 Kieron Winter Trophy Each year we present an award in memory of Kieron Winter. The Trophy is presented to a member who has shown the enthusiasm and commitment that was so much of Kieron s approach to all things related to the club. The winner for 2015 is a long standing club member who has made a huge contribution to the club over many years. In the past this person has competed in most of the events the club organises everything from Autotest to Sprints. In his most successful year he won our Clubmans Championship, in a period where this was very keenly contested. He has contributed to the club throughout 2015, organising events including Treasure Hunts, Trials and Autotests as well as our Castle Combe Track Day. He has become a regular in Control on our sprint events, always making sure things are calm and run smoothly in this busy and important area of the event. He has held many positions within the club and next year will equal the record for longest serving club committee member. He joined the committee in 1984 and has held the important positions of Backfire Editor, Treasurer and Secretary. Our winner is well known for his huge motorsport knowledge his recall of facts and figures relating to our sport is amazing. He used this knowledge to great effect being part of the winning club team, along with Kieron and James Page in the 2008 National Autoglym Motorsport Quiz. He also had individual success in the Ford sponsored Motormind quiz and won a trailer that for many years transported equipment to the clubs sprints. A real motorsport mastermind. In recognition of over 30 years of dedication to Bristol Pegasus Motor Club, the 2016 Kieron Winter Trophy goes to Tim Murray.
2015 Special Awards The 2015 Committee Rosebowl Each year the committee rose bowl is presented to someone who the committee feel has made a significant contribution to motorsport or to the club itself. This year s winner has been a member of BPMC for approx 8 years. He first competed at Colerne and subsequently many other of our events. His enthusiasm and sense of humour are very infectious. He has an eclectic collection of cars and has competed in many different marques. He manages to fit his motorsport in with his very busy job and is always willing to help and support our events. He has provided various types of classic cars for our displays over the years. An example of his generosity and altruism is last year at Castle Combe when his championship hopes were dashed and he was unable to compete in the Pegasus, he offered his services to marshal along with that of his sons. It is a mark of his strength of character that he didn't just stay at home dreaming of sheep but stood in the cold and marshalled for us. The boyo done good. It also has to be said that his awesome restoration of the Gordon Keeble was a crowd puller at last year's Autumn Classic. It is with great pleasure that we announce Phil Jones as the winner of the Committee Rose Bowl for 2015.
Pegasus Motor Club Chairman s Review of the Year 2015 January Navigation Event Dick Craddy organised our annual trip across the Severn Bridge. Nine crews entered an excellent event Eight Pegasus Crews plus one from BMC. February Race Retro Club Trip In February we had a club trip with a Minibus to the Race Retro Show. As usual we stopped for a meal on the way home. Thanks to Ralph Colmar for the driving bus and Tim Murray for arranging the Pub. Club Nights Our fourth year at BAWA. Club Nights have been well supported.much of the credit for this can go to our Social Secretary Nick Wood continues to organise a varied program of activities. As well as our usual socials and speakers we had an excellent navigation tutorial and talk organised by Bob Hart. 2015 Club nights will again be at BAWA. Guest Speakers In February local historic race driver Julian Bronson visited. Julian is well known for his Scarab Historic F1 Car and his Riley Blue Streak. He has raced many historic vehicles including the famous ERA R4D which he drove to victory in the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. For April Cosworth co founder Mike Costin was our guest. Mike gave an excellent talk that included his time working with the likes of Colin Chapman, Graham Hill and Keith Duckworth. In October we had a talk from Paul White. As well as being an RAC Rally Winning
Co driver he was a team manager, RAC Rally clerk and renowned co driver for the WRC greats Henri Toivonen, Andrew Cowan and Russell Brooks Thanks to Nick Wood, Dick Craddy and Rob Ford for organising our speakers. Avenue Drivers Meetings Club members have enjoyed these Sunday morning breakfast meetings held once per month throughout the year. Excellent atmosphere in Queen Square. Very Busy hopefully quieter in winter months! Cross Trophy Car Trial Dundry Held in April this year we had 13 entries less than last year but a good turn out considering we clashed with some other events. Less wet and muddy this year a lot of fun. The event was an ASWMC and CMSG championship round. Tim Murray was secretary, with Mal Allen again being Clerk of Course Donny Allen, Liz Moss and Anna Robinson did a great job of marshalling. Many thanks to all. As always we would also like to thank Duncan for the use of his field we also had an informal workshop tour and look at his 1912 FIAT.
Treasure Hunts Bob Bull organised our first Treasure Hunt of the year in May. Six cars and their crews took part on a dry evening. This year Bob took us on a tour of Chew Valley. Ralph Colmar and Tim Murray won and we had one new crew. In July Ralph Colmar organised with Tim Murray. This was a Sunday morning event with a 26 mile route around Chew Magna, Timsbury and Burrington Combe. Seven crews all reported an enjoyable drive. The Dillamores Lancia Fulvia was voted best car May Llandow Sprint We again joined forces with BMC to run our May Llandow Sprint. We received 82 entries and ran 80 on the day. The event was a round of the ASWMC and WAMC championships. The day went smoothly lots of positive comments. We will run again on 7th May 2016.
Hullavington Wessex Sprint Most significant event of 2015 was the return to the calendar of an Airfield Sprint. After 5 years of effort we obtained permission to run a sprint at Hullavington We joined forces with BMC and the MGCC to revive the Wessex Sprint. We had little time from gaining access to organise an event. Not in any major championships. We still received 76 entries and the event ran very smoothly. The event will run again in 2016 on Sunday the 3rd July 2016 and will be around of the ASWMC championship. Thanks to all who helped prepare the venue. Bob Hart and Dick Craddy put a huge amount of work into making it happen. Pete Goodman was Chief Marshal, Dave Foster and Donny Allen for Secretarial work. ACE Classic Tour We teamed up again with the ACE group again for The ACE Classic Tour for Classic & Sports Cars held in May. Martin Emsley planned the route which headed towards Cheltenham and finished at Rangeworthy. We had an entry of around 30 cars on not the best day of the year rather damp and cold but this did not stop the entrants enjoying themselves.
The event raised money for Breast Cancer cancer charities a presentation was made of the funds raised at the AGM. June Redhill Village Hall For our summer club nights we were again Out & About around Bristol. In June we made our second visit to Redhill Village Hall. Excellent turnout of cars and the venue organised BBQ. We held a Blindfold Driving Test which was won by Mal. This was great fun and include a packed Land Rover attempting the test. A really good Night. Thanks to Nick Wood for organising. June Castle Combe Kit and Retro Day We had an informal club display at a new event for us. It was pleasing to see a good turnout of club members. Some new members as well as some who made the long trip from Cornwall. We met at the Compass and drove
in convoy to circuit. The day was very enjoyable with a nice displays of cars and good trade stands July Frenchay Car Show We again visited the Frenchay Car Show in July. Good mix of cars and motorcycles a nice social event. Thanks to Alan Spencer for organising our club members August Evening Touring Assembly In August we had a short tour on a pleasant summer evening. The event started from Hambrook Common and finished at the Compass at Tormarton. Chris Thompson organised. The good weather encouraged a few open top cars. An excellent event with a good social at the finish pub. Many thanks to Chris for organising
Track Day Castle Combe Our Castle Combe Track Day was again in August. The event was a sell out. Once again we had good support from the Mini Cooper Register. The day was safe, enjoyable and sunny! We also had a lunchtime track parade of Saabs. Thanks to Tim Murray and Ralph Colmar who did an excellent job organising. The 2016 date is Saturday the 20th of August September Autosolos In September we went to Rolls Royce for an Autosolo. Alan Spencer was Clerk of Course with Tim Murray as Secretary. This was our first Autosolo at Rolls, Following on from our first event in recent times, last year s Gymkhana. Pete Goodman put a lot of effort into getting us permission to run an event. Some challenges with parked cars, but event went well and we hope to return. Castle Combe Autumn Classic We were again involved with the Autumn Classic Meeting at Combe. Pete Stowe suggested we got involved last year and again helped this year. The Race meeting included 500cc historic cars the 500 formula devised by Bristol Aeroplane Company Motor Sports Club, in Filton. This club would later become the BAC Motor Club which was the forerunner of Pegasus Motor Club. We awarded our historic
BACMSC Challenge Trophy to the 500 race winner. Once again Nick Wood did an excellent job of arranging a club display of pre 1970 cars. Tony Castle Miller again brought some superb Fiat Abarths. Bill and Anne Farrow brought their Mk1 850 Fiat Coupe. Bob Bull brought his Lotus, Greg Smith brought his Mk2 Cortina, Dave Foster brought his competition Mini Cooper and Whizzo Williams brought his original Welsh Rally winning Cooper. We had a special display on Gerry Bath and his specials thanks to Pete Stowe for preparing the display material for this. As part of this we had both Gerry s Minim Special and his Lotus on display. Nick Wood brought along his new Ford Thunderbird and the display was completed by Hot Rods, an MGA and a very special Replica Napier Railton which attracted a lot of interest. Pegasus Sprint Castle Combe The Sprint season ended with the Pegasus Sprint at Castle Combe. Bob Hart was Clerk with Nick Wood deputy and Chris Thompson Assistant Clerk. Tim Murray was in Control and Cherry Robinson was Chief Marshal. Cherry & Nick did a great job recruiting marshals. The event ran to the same format as in 2014 with
competitors getting two full lap runs and two separate one lap practices. Once again we had a full entry unfortunately we had to turn competitors away with only 100 places available we had 125 wanting to enter. It was a very wet day but despite this the event ran very smoothly. A special mention must go to Marshals in the weather, but fortunately most were provided some shelter by the covered marshals posts at Combe. Dick Craddy did an excellent job as Secretary with Dave Bence once again doing a great job as entries secretary. Cherry Robinson also helped with secretarial on the day. Lots of people were involved in organising and running the event Thanks to all and sorry to those I have not mentioned Classic Car Show Club Trip In November we had an informal trip to the Classic Car Show at the NEC. No Minibus this year, but still a good turnout of members who travelled up in cars Excellent Show. Club members had cars on show including Duncan Pittaway with his 1912 FIAT Landspeed Car, Mike Kason with his FIAT X19 Race Car and Barry Whizzo Williams who had his Mini Cooper on display complete with Pegasus Sticker.
Club Championships The Pegasus Open Speed Championship 2015 was the second year we have run. Different to many other championships as it gives members the freedom to choose their own events. Members entering any non race speed event can register You claim points for the events entered during the year. The number of qualifying events was kept low the best six event score and you can score points for marshalling one event. Cherry Robinson was championship Co ordinator. We will run again in 2016 Clubman Championship 80 members scored points in the Clubmans Championship and 37 members scored points in the Marshals Championship. Clubmans numbers was well up on previous years and there was a slight increase in number of marshals. Membership Membership numbers were up our challenge is getting more members involved in competing and organising. Thanks to Bob Bull for his work as membership secretary renewal forms will be out in the coming weeks. Fantasy Formula One Our Fantasy F1 contest is now in its 20th year. It remains very popular and attracted an excellent 41 entries. Scores were close at the top all year Ken Robson won and second place went to John Dee who had led most of the year. Third place went to Helena Sarsted.
Backfire Ralph Colmar continued as editor this year. The magazine depends on contributions please send in articles thanks to those who contributed in 2015. Regular features have included event information, reports and photos, Fantasy F1 and club championship updates. Not quite as many articles in 2015. We could do with more reports and we are also looking for some regular columnists. Website and Social Media Richard Reynolds is doing an excellent job with the website and is very keen to keep the site up to date and add to it If you have any ideas for new items, please let him know. Don t forget the Online membership system to renew or join We are also on Facebook and Twitter. Our new Facebook group has done well a good place for up to date news and pictures many events had pictures posted during the event itself. Charity We continue to support Wiltshire Air Ambulance and visited them in December to present a cheque for 1500. The ACE Classic tour this year raised money for Breast Cancer Charity BUST and we presented the proceeds at the AGM. We also donated to other good causes in 2015: The MS Society a condition suffered by our speaker Paul White and The 9RLC regimental charity at Hullavington. We don t have a Charity Co ordinator on the committee and are looking for a volunteer in this area.
Committee We are always looking for people to get involved if you are interested please feel free to have a chat. Pete Goodman joined the committee in 2015 and has been a great help organising events such as the December Skittles and Morgan Visit. Cherry Robinson is standing down Many thanks for all her efforts I am sure she will still be involved in many club events. All other committee members are standing again. Chris Thompson has added Child Protection to his list of jobs and Liz Moss will act as deputy The MSA recommend we have two child protection officials. We have a vacancy for Competition Secretary and Charity Co ordinator. Thanks go to all the Committee they all give time to the club which enables us to run the varied mix of events, both social and sporting. We also have two active Vice Presidents in Bob Hart and Dick Craddy. Thanks to all who have helped running events this year Sorry to anyone I have missed!! The Future Our aims for 2016 and beyond... We hope to continue to offer a strong mix of Competitive and Social Events as well as further promoting the club and growing the active membership. We have had some success in improving our Social Media Presence. During 2016 we hope to encourage people to compete and marshal and get more people involved in running events. There are plenty of chances to get involved not just on the committee The full 2016 calendar will be finalised over the coming weeks. Finally I would like to finish my report by sending Best Wishes to you and your families for the New Year. We look forward to seeing you at one of the club events either sporting or social next year
December Auto Solo / Auto Test Aust Services We thought we would have a change this year for our after Christmas meet and arranged an Autosolo/Autotest at the OLD Severn Bridge services. The weather was pretty miserable to start with, got worse with low cloud imitating fog, but it dried up later in the day. We had a good entry of 25 cars ranging from a Volvo estate to a batch of MX5s, drivers varied from 14 to Old! I would like to thank the Payton brothers for entertainment (especially Jack who needed a windscreen wiper on his door window). The Welsh brothers who showed us all how it was done. A special congratulations to Sam Thompson who at 14 kept his dad on his toes. Thanks to the marshals and officials especially Coralie and son who stood out in the rubbish weather to marshal at the far end of the course. Full results are available on the web site : http://www.bristolpegasus.com/ The award winners were Auto Solo Auto Test Name Class Position A Spencer A 1st A Pope B 1st M Benstock C 1st A Welsh D 1st R Welsh D 2nd A Smith D 3rd Name Class Position C Thompson A 1st S Thompson A 2nd Josh Payton C 1st Jack Payton C 2nd
December Auto Solo / Auto Test Aust Services Andy Moss
It s an uphill struggle. Over the last 13 years I have competed in hill climbs and sprints in various cars Caterham 7 (Rover K powered), Abarth 850TC, ultra light (flimsy) Fiat Panda with an Abarth motor (scary ), Ralt RT30 F3 car, Abarth 1000TC, a Marcos 3 Litre V6 (1970 steel chassis) and this past 2 years in my 1998 Marcos Mantis. I started in the Caterham Academy series and really enjoyed learning the ropes and getting my race licence. The racing was difficult for someone away on business all the time as it meant no midweek testing and playing catch up when everyone else was nailing their qualy lap. But the series also introduced us to hill climbs and sprints and I figured that given those venues are mostly closed during the week, we will all rock up on a Saturday cold and green and so the challenge is more equal. And so it proved. I have competed in hill climbs and sprints ever since though historic racing is beckoning and more of that in a future column. In my first full year of hill climbing I ran a Fiat Abarth 850TC beautifully prepared by Mr Castle Miller with a 1049cc motor hanging out the back, swing axle rear end, transverse leaf spring at the front, petrol tank over my legs. You get the picture. Although it had only 77bhp, I was able to give the 1293 Minis a run and a best at Prescott of 58.92 and Shelsley of 42.40 says it went better than 77bhp ought to. I ran for 3 enjoyable years in the Midland Hill Climb Championship in the pre 72 class on the 3 Midland hills Prescott, Shelsley Walsh and Loton Park. I have twice been to the school at Prescott and can t imagine how many times I have driven that wonderful hill. I have given strict instructions for my ashes to be dumped by the start line. They will no doubt keep various bits of my driveshafts and gearbox casing fragments company. The handicapping system was difficult to work with. It was necessary to have a handicapping system so that a variety of cars could compete we were not regularly going to get 5 or 6 cars of a given capacity to make up a class. The system was based on you beating your best ever time at that venue. Which was fine to start with but as you became more familiar with the venue and the car, you ended up feeling that you were chasing your own tail. The result was extreme ragging of the little pride and joy. With heavy heart I sold the Abarth at a Bonhams auction (and it did very well as most historic competition cars seem to these days) and plunged into a 1985 F3 Ralt RT30 with a rare (one of only 11) Alfa Romeo Novamotor 2 Litre running big wings, carbon bits and a derestricted induction Jenvey throttle bodies in place of the F3 26mm air restrictor.
Middle Barton Garage stripped and rebuilt it into a cracking piece of kit by the end of that process. I particularly enjoyed Colerne back in the days when it was a sprint venue the right turn at the end of the 140mph flat out straight was eye watering. It was 140mph because that s all it was geared for I spent 2/3rds of the straight staring at the rev counter at 7200rpm trying not to lunch the motor! Below is Shelsley Walsh bottom Ess back in 2007. However, fussing about with wets, slicks and wings in the pouring rain when you have rushed to the venue (because of work) was the downside so I decided to return to saloons or sportscars as an easy way to enjoy my competition. And stay dry. Those of you who know me will also know that I take my hair very seriously. I have just the one. Cue another Fiat Abarth this time a 1000TC (Turismo Competitizione.not Twin Cam) basket case that got transformed into full 1969 ETC spec with group 5 arches, dog box, LSD, twin 40s and an 8000rpm limit (not bad for a pushrod). This wild little beast I still own and it has been raced a few times at Prescott and enjoyed a brilliant return to the Silver Flag hillclimb in Italy in 2010 (I also took the 850TC there in 2004). Older son Lloyd now a Pegasus member was just 12 years old when he navigated me up the 9km hillclimb using a Google map! And his pizza stayed down. A slight diversion to try some historic road rallying with Lloyd 2 years later followed and we hunted for a suitable pre 72 car (the Abarth was too expensive and too highly strung for that). After a few skirmishes (Lotus Europa, Triumph GT6, Porsche 914), I ended up at Redline Sportscars for a chat with Jeremy Kearns. Now he is a good salesman and I left with a Marcos!
The 1970 V6 was very sound but tatty and some restoration was needed plus suspension, cage, harnesses etc. The road rallying proved to be a dead end as the requirement for map / route prep ahead of time did not sit well with my son s school work. So I entered the Marcos in the 2013 Classic Marques Speed Challenge for hill climbs and sprints which I had seen advertised in Classic and Sportscar magazine. This is also handicapped for the same reason to ensure inclusion and a wide variety of entries. But the handicap system is more sophisticated and is based on power, weight and tyres. So it does create a very level playing field and there can be no sandbagging. We had just 7 entries for inaugural 2013 season and this year we have had 56 so obviously we are doing something right. It is extremely competitive. The red 3 Litre was a brilliant car to drive, balanced and always your friend when it was slippery or difficult, I would recommend one to anyone. It was really in road rally spec though with just 128bhp on the dyno, long winded Zodiac comedy box, raised ride height and tall excellent 185/70 Yokohama A021s. So I had to decide whether to continue developing (read spending on ) it or swap for a V8. I had already enjoyed a quick round the block in a Mantis when visiting Jeremy a year or so earlier and was smitten so when another came up for sale, it was impossible for me to resist. My 3 Litre went to a good home (well several its for sale in the auctions at the moment and a steal at about 10K) and the Mantis was prepped by Joe Cubitt for 2014. We added a hard top, full cage, harnesses, cut offs, split rims with 9 fronts and 10 rears and swapped the picnic table for a taller rear wing the rest is standard. I love it. With big AP brakes and a LSD already in place as standard it s got all the basics. I entered 13 out of 26 rounds in 2014 the best 8 scores count but pranged it on my 9 th entry with a glancing kiss with the Armco at Loton Park. I decided that I was unlikely to improve my points position much for the rest of the season (14 th out of 44 in 2014) so put the entry money towards getting it sorted for this year. The Mantis limitations are that it is a) heavy b) too long geared that s by far the biggest issue c) has a verysoft throttle response with that twin venturi affair and d) is difficult to see out of on the undulating, narrow hill climbs Wiscombe is a good example. So a, b and c have all had an attempt at a fix for this year. The visibility I can t do much about other than not enter narrow undulating venues!
Proof that the Marcos has a friendly chassis Gurston 2014 The car was brilliant at Goodwood in torrential rain with rivers across the track. Sadly my favourite Yokohama AD08Rs were not on the car as I had slashed a tyre at the previous event and could not get a spare in time. So I was on Mahogany compound Toyo T1Rs with a 2009 date stamp. We pondered as the rain lashed down that my inadvertent use of a Class 1A road tyre might actually pay off in such conditions but in fact they were just awful. Having completed a full on power slide around Madgwick on the first run out, I think a little bit of wee might have come out, but it s a Marcos and it was again my friend. As the day wore on I slip slided around and eventually got to about 115mph at the end of the Lavant straight still wheel spinning in 4th I would guess 140 in the dry. A class win and trophy were a decent reward for the general soaking that my youngest son, Owen, and I endured. There were lots of stoppages including a fellow competitor who managed to narrow his 4WD Subaru. The comment in the paddock was that the guy enjoying the most track time was the recovery truck driver! The Soup Dragon awaiting his turn at Goodwood. So nicknamed by a fellow competitor sat behind me in the startline queue listening to the Ford V8 idle going burlob, burlob, burlob More next time on what happened in 2015. by Jones the Speed
BPMC Pin Badges Now available; Delightful 20mm diameter BPMC pin badges in black nickel, red / white enamel finish. These are a must for club members and available for 2.00 each from Alan Spencer. BPMC polo or sweatshirts Fancy a shirt with the club logo on? Pick your colour and size, state whether polo or sweatshirt and how many, then ring/email Alan Spencer with your order. alanspencer@orange.net 01179 712587 (Alan is in the process of putting in a new order at the end of September ) Poloshirts 6.50 each and sweatshirts 10 a bargain! Sweatshirts & polo shirts are available in the following colours and sizes: White, grey, light blue, royal blue and black S, M, L and XL. We are having a new batch of club car & windscreen stickers printed details of how to get yours next month. Help raise funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance Visit the bookshop www.bristolpegasus.com and use the Amazon link to buy books, CD's /DVD's All commission to Wiltshire Air Ambulance
Remember When? Barrie Williams celebrates Club Chairman Andy Moss s 25th year on the Committee by taking him on a lap of Castle Combe. Photo courtesy Stuart Watson. Backfire
BPMC 2016 Events Calendar Month Day Date Event Location Feb Mon 8th Club Night BAWA 8pm Feb Fri 19th Navigation Exercise Wye Valley Mar Thu 10th Morgan Factory Visit 10am Malvern Optional Scenic Drive back via Wales Mar Mon 14th Club Night BAWA 8pm Apr Sun 10th Cross Trophy Trial Dundry Apr Mon 11th Club Night BAWA 8pm May Sat 7th Llandow Sprint Llandow Circuit May Mon 16th Treasure Hunt TBC Jun Sun 5th ACE Classic Tour Provisional Date Jun Mon 13th Bring Your Car Night Provisional Date Jul Sun 3rd Wessex Sprint Hullavington Airfield Jul Mon 11th Evening Car Tour TBC Jul Sat 16th Frenchay Car Show Frenchay Museum Aug Sun 14th Sunday Treasure Hunt TBC Aug Sat 20th Track Day Castle Combe Sep Sun 11th Autosolo Rolls Royce Sep Mon 12th Club Night BAWA 8pm Oct Sat 1st Castle Combe Autumn Classic Oct Mon 10th Club Night BAWA 8pm Oct Sat 22nd Pegasus Sprint Castle Combe Nov Mon 14th Club Night BAWA 8pm Dec Mon 12th AGM & Prizegiving BAWA 8pm Dec Tue 27th Christmas Autosolo Aust Club display at the Castle Combe Classic Race Meeting Bristol Pegasus NEEDS YOU! The successful running of club events requires Marshals and Get involved Organisers Be close to the action Meet Other Club Members No experience required Deadline for Next Backfire: 22nd February 2016 We are always looking for members contributions on competitions, club matters and journeys. Editor: Ralph Colmar Email: backfire@bristolpegasus.com The views and opinions printed in this newsletter are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of BPMC
40th Anniversary Navigation Exercise Friday 19th February 2016 Members are invited to enter the 40th Anniversary Navigation Exercise that will be held on Friday 19th February when we will, once again, return to the river Wye area. It will be held over a challenging 28 mile route. The signing on location will be at the car park behind Tintern Abbey located at map reference 162/534 001 on the A466. The required map will be OS 1:50,000 numbers 162 and 171. It is advised that you come prepared with a new map 171 if possible. Route cards will be handed out at 7.25pm prior to the start time of 7.30pm. Beginners, Novice and Expert route cards will be available. Bridge tolls will be reimbursed for those who use the Severn Crossing. A receipt is requested. Dick Craddy, the organiser, will be pleased to help should you require further assistance. Dick can be contacted on 01454 414842, 07776 202 663 or craddy@old down.freeserve.co.uk